Potomac Division Board Meeting
February 27, 2010
The
Potomac Division Board of Directors meeting was convened at 12:30 PM by
Superintendent Marshall Abrams at Brian Sheron’s house. Also
present were
John
Griffith, Mike White, Martin Brechbiel, Bill Demas, and MER Past
President Clint Hyde. John Drye and Chesapeake Division liaison
Russ Forte joined the meeting by teleconference from 1 PM to 1:15 PM
for discussions concerning the Minicon.
Paymaster’s
Report – Mark Andersen submitted his report that the Division had a net
balance of $4660.31 after income and expenses and includes a balance of
$543.36 for the Module Crew. This represents an increase of
$150.00 since the last report on January 9, 2010, and is the Module
Crew compensation for participation in the World’s Greatest Hobby Show
in January.
Clerk’s
Report – Bill Demas reported that the Division membership stood at 366
active paid NMRA members as of February 8, 2010; a net increase of 1
since the last report on January 9, 2010.
Newsletter
– John Griffith reported the deadline for the Spring Flyer had been
pushed back to March 11. The expanded Flyer would have 24 pages
plus three pages on the by-laws and their proposed changes. John
was building a backlog of articles for future publication.
Layout
Tours – Brian Sheron reported that Jim Brewer agreed to reschedule to
March 21. He would also contact another member who lives nearby
and see if he would also hold an open house on March 21 in conjunction
with Jim. Mike will post the changes on the website. Brian
also has a lead for a member who may be willing to host an open house
in April. Clint will contact Mat Thompson, who has resigned, to
arrange to pick up the open house “manual” Nick Kalis created when he
was layout tour coordinator.
A P Program – Brian Sheron reported no AP awards since the last Board meeting.
Computer
Clerk’s Report – Mike White reported that since the last Board meeting,
the Contact List has been updated and sent to Marshall. The
welcome letters have been sent out, and he has received “Thank you”
feedback response from three new members. The webpage and Minicon
ongoing updates continue. Mike has sent Brian a custom contact
list for those members who may be interested in serving as a Helper
Service contact resource.
Module
Crew – Mark Andersen submitted a report that in addition to the
upcoming shows previously reported, the Crew is scheduled to appear at
the Lyceum Museum Show in Alexandria August 14 & 15; Greenburg Show
at Dulles Expo Center August 28 & 29; and the Fairfax Station Show
September 5 & 6.
Old Business
The report on the feasibility of co-hosting with NVTRAK in 2014 from John Drye was tabled.
The letters to the three organizations to accompany the checks were sent to Mark January 15.
The Elections Committee has prepared a ballot for distribution at the
Minicon and to be included in the Flyer for absentee ballots.
John Griffith reported all candidate personal sketches are in for
publication.
New Business
The Board reaffirmed that all Division sponsored activities will be open to all members.
Minicon
Teleconference – Church details: Bill Demas will get in touch with Bob
Burroughs to ascertain prior evening availability, number, size, and
type of tables, room availability, finalize meal menu, etc. and will
put Bob in touch with John and Clint for those answers and any other
questions concerning the physical layout. John had previously
distributed a church diagram showing space assignments.
The Board determined that Model Railroad Hobbyist Magazine was welcome
to set up a table at no charge at the Minicon, but their
representatives would be required to pay admission.
White Elephant – will have help from Russ Forte and Arthur Boyd of Chesapeake Division.
Clinics
– Mark will rearrange the slots for Martin Brechbiel to the morning and
will contact a member to fill the remaining slot. Clint has a
cut-off for his car building clinic at 20 participants.
Guaranteed pre-registration may be made by sending the extra fare to
the Clerk by April 10.
Signs – Clint will secure 3 signs used at the last regional for guide
in to the church from MD Rt 32 and Guilford Road.
Awards – Brian will announce the award winners at the end of the
Minicon, and the awards will then be mailed out.
Layouts – Three module crews are confirmed for setup – NVTRAK, BANTRAK, and MARRS.
The
next meeting will be at noon on April 10 at a location TBD. [Ed. note:
the meeting date has been subsequently changed to April 11].
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Demas, Clerk
Potomac Division